Allegro2 Operator’s Manual
HP PCB-4, and HP Laser Jet II are Trademarks of Hewlett Packard Corporation CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Times, based upon Times New Roman under license from The Monotype Corporation. plc, is a product of Agfa Corporation. Allegro2, SEAQ, and PC Batch are trademarks of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. As an Energy Star Partner, Datamax Corporation has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
Agency Compliance and Approvals: UL: CSA: TUV: VDE: UL1950 Information Technology Equipment C22.2 No. 950-M93 EN60950, IEC950 Class B Vfg. 243/1991 1. Nur für Gebrauch innerhalb eines Gebäudes geeignet. 2. Bei Gefahr, Kabel aus der Steckdose herausziehen 3.
Important Safety Instructions Your Barcode Printer has been designed to give you many years of safe, reliable service. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid getting hurt or damaging the Printer. • Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided with your Printer. • Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the Printer itself. • Place the Printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.
♦ Contents ♦ Getting Started 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Introduction .....................................................1 Unpacking and Inspection ................................1 Tear-off Assembly Installation.......................... 4 Using the Printer Control Panel.........................5 Media Installation .............................................8 1.4.1 Label Loading Instructions ..................9 1.4.2 Ribbon Loading Instructions ..............10 1.5 Using the Printer Options..................
♦ Troubleshooting 4.0 Introduction .....................................................59 4.1 Controlling print quality ...................................60 4.2 Aligning the Printhead ......................................61 4.2.1 Printhead Alignment Procedure .........63 4.2.2 Adjusting Printhead Pressure/Support 65 4.3 Troubleshooting .................................................66 ♦ Maintenance 5.0 Introduction .....................................................69 5.1 Cleaning Schedule..........
♦ Getting Started 1.0 Introduction The Allegro2 Label Printer, hereafter referred to as the "Printer", incorporates high-performance/low cost direct thermal and optional thermal transfer label printing capabilities. The combination of powerful capabilities, easy-to-use features, a contemporary look and affordable pricing set a new standard for direct-thermal and thermal-transfer label printers in retail, office and industrial applications. 1.
Getting Started Location of Parts on Your Printer The following illustrations show the major components of your Printer. Figure 1-2 is a detailed view of the print mechanism from the side. Figure 1-3 is a back view of the Printer. Figure 1-5 is a view of Printer’s switches and indicators. In this manual we will refer to the components and connectors depicted in these illustrations.
Getting Started Figure 1-3 Rear View Allegro2 3
Getting Started 1.2 Tear- off Assembly Installation To install the Tear-off Assembly complete the following steps: 1. Open the Printer's Side Cover. 2. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position. 3. Fit the Tear Bar Assembly to the slots below the drive roller and push it down until it snaps into place. 4. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever clockwise to the ‘down’ position.
Getting Started 1.3 Using the Printer Control Panel The Printer has three operator-accessible buttons, three indicators lights (LEDs), one switch and one POT, (see Figure 1-5). A brief description of the buttons, lights, switch and POT are listed in this section. Figure 1-5 Buttons, Lights and Switches Power Light: Allegro2 The power light is turned on after the power switch on the rear of the Printer is turned on.
Getting Started Pause Button: This button allows the operator to stop printing a run of labels and then restart the job by pressing the button again. Activation of the button will: • Stop the print mechanism when the label printing is complete. • Turn on the pause light. • Stop the label counter, but maintain the count balance. • Hold all data in memory. Pressing the button a second time will: • Restart the Printer. • Print the balance of labels on the counter unless interrupted.
Getting Started Paper/Ribbon Light: This light is activated when: • No label and/or ribbon is detected. • The Internal Rewinder (if installed) is not rotating, (i.e., maximum rewind capacity has been reached). Ribbon Switch: For direct-thermal printing, (no ribbon), slide the switch to the ‘off’ position. For thermal-transfer printing, (ribbon installed), slide the switch to the ‘on’ position.
Getting Started 1.4 Media Installation Installation The Printer is designed for easy label stock and ribbon installation. A diagram located under the cover of the Printer shows the feed path for print media. Simply lift the cover of the Printer from the right-hand side to locate the installation instructions. Figure 1-6 Label Loading Diagram Labels The Printer uses labels up to 4.65" (118mm) wide. The maximum diameter of a roll of labels used in the Printer is 8" (203mm). If a label is narrower than 3.
Getting Started 1.4.1 Label Loading Instructions To load labels complete the following steps: 1. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position. 2. Slide the Media Guide to the outer edge of the guide and rotate it to the ‘down’ position. 3. Slide the Retainer to the outer edge of the Supply Mount. 4. Place the label roll on the Supply Mount and slide the Retainer firmly against it. 5. Insert the label stock as shown in Figure 1-6. 6.
Getting Started 1.4.2 Ribbon Loading Instructions Load ribbon as shown below in Figure 1-7. The ribbon can be wound directly on to the hub and held with a clasp, or a used ribbon core can be placed on the hub. To load the ribbon complete the following steps: 1. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position. 2. Slide the Ribbon on to the Ribbon Supply Hub. Route the ribbon, (see Figure 1-7), and attach the ribbon to the Ribbon Take-up Hub. 3.
Getting Started 1.5 Using the Printer Options 1.5.1 Available Modules The Printer uses memory modules to expand its built-in capabilities, primarily for the use of storing graphic images and bitmaps of smooth fonts, and for storing label formats that can be recalled by host computers. The Label Printer has one module slot located on the left side for use with Memory Module Cartridges.
Getting Started 1.6.2 Options Font ROM Modules Font ROM Modules contain additional fonts that extend the capabilities of the Internal Fonts. Each Font ROM Module comes with documentation detailing the type and sizes available on the module and the font number of each size used in label formatting. Font ROM Modules are programmed at the factory and cannot be modified later for any other purpose. 256K and 512K RAM Modules RAM Modules are the most flexible module option for the Printer.
Getting Started Peel and Present The Printer can be ordered with an optional Peel and Present Mechanism Kit, or the option can be purchased and installed at a later date. The Peel and Present Option automatically separates the label from the backing, the label then sets on the Printer until it is removed while the backing material is sent to the Internal Rewind. This mechanism can be used with or without the Present Sensor, but must be used in conjunction with the Internal Rewind.
Getting Started 14 Allegro2
♦ Setting Up Your Printer 2.0 Checking Voltage Selection The standard Printer is configured for 115 VAC ±10% single-phase 50/60 Hz with a properly-grounded outlet. A small sticker next to the power cord connection indicates the power requirements. For international markets, there is a 230 VAC version available. If you are uncertain about the configuration of your Printer, or the outlet you are connecting to, check with a qualified service technician to verify the installation before connecting power. 2.
Setting Up Your Printer If a label edge is not detected within 12" (305mm) of stock, the Printer will stop feeding labels. If this occurs, refer to Section 1.4 and reload the Media, see Figure 1-6 to find the location of the Media Sensor. If a label edge is detected, the Printer will begin to print the Self-Test pattern. An example of a test pattern is shown in Figure 2-1.
Setting Up Your Printer 2.2 Interfacing to the Printer Depending on your application, the Printer can be set up in different ways. Table 2-1 lists the interface cables that should be used for each situation. If your application is not listed below, refer to Appendix B which contains the communications information necessary to connect the Printer to virtually any ASCII device.
Setting Up Your Printer 2.3 Sample Installations In this section, four typical installations are reviewed, CRT terminal, PC, minicomputer, and mainframe computer. Cable connections for similar installations are listed in Appendix D. This section outlines the procedures that will enable you to set up the Printer for various installations. Connecting to a CRT A typical application for a CRT-based system is generating and printing labels that are stored on an optional Flash Module.
Setting Up Your Printer If your Printer is controlled by a third-party software package, please refer to the operator’s manual supplied with the software package for operating instructions. For detailed explanations of the Printer’s commands and label format structure, refer to the Programmer's Manual. A typical application for a PC-based system is printing labels for manufacturing production in a Batch Mode.
Setting Up Your Printer To connect the Printer to EBCDIC devices, or devices with any other data encoding standard, a protocol converter must be used. A protocol converter translates the bit patterns of one standard to the bit patterns of another standard. Some protocol converters are also interface converters, combining two functions into one box. Many of these products are available from the manufacturer of your computer equipment or your local reseller.
Setting Up Your Printer Setting the Baud Rate For all modes of operation, you must set the baud rate of the interface. On the back of the Printer, you will find a single eightposition Dip Switch, positions 1, 2, and 3 control the setting of the baud rate.
Setting Up Your Printer Other Switches Switch SW-5: Controls the label edge offset, when the switch is on, the label edge offset will default to 0250. When the switch is off, the label edge offset will default to 0220. Switch SW-6: Present Sensor Option Switch SW-7: Enables the Internal Batch Software Program. This program is explained in Chapter 3. There is a software command that will perform the same option as this switch; it is the STX g Command. Switch SW-8: Controls the optional Cutter.
Setting Up Your Printer 2.5 Programming Commands In order to be ready for a command sequence, the Printer must first receive a special character called an “attention getter” that informs the Printer that it is about to receive a command and the type of command it will be. Immediate Commands, System-Level Commands, and Font-Loading Commands each have their own attention getter. The attention getter character is followed by a command character that tells the Printer what action to take. ASCII Char.
Setting Up Your Printer The System-Level Commands are used to create formats, load and store graphic information, and control the Printer. Table 2-7 provides a brief description and format of each System-Level Command Character.
Setting Up Your Printer Char m n O o P p Q q r Description Set metric flag, enter metric mode Clear metric flag, return to inch mode Form edge offset (start of print position) Cycle cutter Enter character dump mode Controlled pause Clear all memory modules Clear module Select reflective sensor S s Slew (feed) speed Set up for one print buffer T t U V Printhead dot pattern test label Test RAM memory module (Must be in Test Mode) Label format field replacement Software switch settings v W w x X Y Firm
Setting Up Your Printer A STX L Command switches the Printer from the System Level to the Label-Formatting Mode. All command characters after STX L are interpreted as Label Formatting Commands until the LabelFormatting Mode is terminated with the Command Character E. All Label -Formatting Commands are terminated with hex value 0D.
Setting Up Your Printer CC X y Description Terminate label formatting mode Select font symbol set (optional scalable fonts only) z or Z + Zero (0) conversion to "O" eliminates slash (/) Make last field entered increment numeric - Make last field entered decrement numeric > Make last field entered increment alphanumeric < Make last field entered decrement alphanumeric ^ Set count by amount Format y S xx y = ASCII (0x79) S = ASCII (0x54) xx = symbol selection +pii Make last entered field increme
Setting Up Your Printer The commands used for bit-mapped font loading are usually generated by font-creation software. However, the assigned font ID number command must be sent to the Printer before the font file. Font-Loading Commands are listed in Table 2-10.
Setting Up Your Printer The example shown below prints out a Code 3 of 9 bar code with a wide to narrow bar ratio of 3:1 and can be used to print any of the bar codes shown in Appendix C by altering the example's fields. Refer to Figures 2-4 and 2-5 for a brief explanation of the data fields. L D11 1A93040001501000123456789 121100000000100Barcode A E L Syntax L on line 1 is used to enter the label formatting mode.
Setting Up Your Printer 30 Allegro2
♦ Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 3.0 Introduction The Printer can be used in any one of three different operating modes: RS-232 to a host computer; a PC with a compatible software package, or; LINK MC2 CRT with Internal Batch Software, a standalone label creation package developed especially for the Printer. This section focuses on the Printer's internal labeling software program. The program uses two screens, one to create or modify a label and the other to print a label.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 3.1 The Printer Used With a LINK CRT A number of steps are required before you can begin to format and print labels with the Printer. These steps are explained in the following pages. 1. Connect Cables Verify that the LINK CRT and the Printer’s main Power Switches are ‘off’. Connect the LINK CRT terminal to the Printer with the supplied cable. Plug in the supplied power cords for the Printer and the LINK CRT terminal.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Function Handshake: Mode: Data Bits: Stop Bits: Parity: Baud Rate: Keys: Blk End: Auto NL: CR: Compatible: Default Settings none FDX 8 1 none 9600 US US/CR on CR LINK MC 2 Function Settings F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 CTRL W CTRL X CTRL Y CTRL Z ALT S ALT P ALT I ALT X ALT F Table 3-1 LINK CRT Default Settings 3. Select Stand-Alone Labeling Software Mode The Printer is shipped in the RS-232 mode for use with PCs.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software To format the module hit "I" and the following screen will appear: MODULE MEMORY TEST AND FORMAT WARNING !! MODULE DATA WILL BE LOST !! PLUG IN MODULE.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 3.2 Formatting and Printing Labels Formatting labels is designed to be a three step procedure: 1. Selecting an operating screen. 2. Specifying where on the label to place text and/or barcodes. 3. Printing the actual labels. Available Fonts and Barcodes All available character font sizes, barcodes, multiplication parameters, and resulting character sizes are illustrated and explained in Appendix C.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software F2 (LIST): Displays a library listing of every label format and/or graphic image loaded in the current memory module. F2 can be used only when the prompt is in the Label Name position of the Create/Modify or Print Screens. F3 (COPY): Used in the Create/Modify Label Screen only. Enter a new Label Name, then press the F3 key. The message below will appear.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software F6 and ALT-P: While in the far left position of the Create/Modify Label Screen or the Sample: position of the Print Label Screen, press ALT-P to bring up the Print Parameters Windows. It will look like this: PRINT ADJUSTMENTS HEAT FACTOR: 10 PRINT SPEED: SLEW SPEED: DOT PATTERN (5 mil): LABEL ADVANCE: FORM EDGE OFFSET: ROW OFFSET: COLUMN OFFSET: COUNT BY: MAX. LABEL WIDTH: MAX.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Description Heat Factor Print Speed Slew Speed Dot Pattern Wide Dot Pattern High Label Advance (Back Feed) Form Edge Offset Row Offset Column Offset Update Count on Max. Label Width Max.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software F9 and ALT-F: Feeds one label at a time from the Print Label Screen. It operates the same way as the front panel Feed Switch. This function is useful when loading new media to register the photoelectric sensor. Other Important Keys Several other keys are used in the editing and printing steps and are described below. Return: Enters an answer for the prompt and moves the cursor to the next position if the answer is acceptable.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 3.3 Create/Modify Label Screen This section describes how to create a new label. Before beginning, a good tool to have on hand is a ruler marked in tenths of an inch because all the label format print positions are specified in tenths and hundredths of an inch. The procedure for creating a new label is as follows: 1. Power up the CRT terminal with the switch on the front of the unit. Turn the Printer on with the Power Switch located in the back of the Printer.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 2. The software’s two operating screens are Create/Modify Label and Print Label. All data is entered into fields. A field is a set of information such as a product name, address, barcode, number, etc., that is specified on individual lines on the CRT screen. Because fields are independent of each other, it is possible and sometimes desirable, to place two or more fields on the same horizontal or vertical measurement.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Notice in the upper left-hand corner of the screen that the current Field Number is displayed. This program can accommodate up to 200 fields per format. Use the return key or the arrow keys to move the cursor around within the 200 fields, one field at a time. A sample label format is illustrated in Figure 3-4. To create a label, press the F1 key to return to the Create/Modify Label Screen. The cursor will be in the Label Name Position.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 4. The Printer can print fonts, barcodes, and graphics at 0, 90, 180, or 270 degree rotations. Valid responses to the ROT prompt include: 1 2 3 4 = = = = 0 degrees 90 degrees 180 degrees 270 degrees 5. In the FNT position, enter the type of font you want to print. This can be an alphanumeric font or a barcode. Enter one of the following: Allegro2 • An alphanumeric font type, followed by the return key. Choices are 0 through 8.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software • Y is another special font choice that is not actually a font. The Y font selects a graphic image that has already been loaded into the memory module. If this font is selected, enter the name of the graphic image in the Data/Prompt position. This name must be uppercase characters when printing an image.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 7. Enter the desired XH dimension. The default value for fonts is 1. The default value for element barcodes such as UPC or code 128 is 1. For ratio-based barcodes, the default value is 1. • If you wish to magnify the height of a font, valid responses are 1 through 9 and A through O. The default value is 1 for fonts. • If you wish to magnify the width of a barcode, valid responses are 1 through 9 and A through K.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 9. The 4-digit Row Field tells the Printer "how far up" on the label to print the data. The default value is 00.00 and the maximum number cannot exceed the maximum label length set in the Print Parameters Window. Use the bottom left corner as the starting point for row and column. For the desired vertical placement of your field, enter a number not more than four digits followed by the return key.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 11. The Type Position tells the Printer how the Data/Prompt area is to be used. There are six options. • The most common type is ‘D’ for data, this tells the Printer that fixed data will be entered in this field. In other words, any alpha and/or numeric characters entered in the Data/Prompt Position will be printed on the label exactly as entered on the screen. After pressing the ‘D’ key, the cursor will move to the Data/Prompt Position.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software If any of these symbols are entered in the Type Position, the printing will either increment or decrement numbers or letters in the label position specified earlier in this field. Information entered in the Data/Prompt Field in the next step will tell the Printer the increment value being use.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Some of the data will need to be re-entered. Use the DEL Key, home key or arrow keys to change any information. If the Printer does not allow you to enter as many characters as you need, try backing up with the arrow keys and change the font size.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software For special font Y, enter the name of the graphic image you want to call from the memory module for printing at this field position. You can enter up to 16 uppercase characters. • Enter the desired prompt information. The field allows up to 44 characters to be entered. • Enter the desired consecutive number fill character and increment value. This field has the format xnn with the following parameters: x = fill character.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software • For repeat fields, enter the data in the Data/Prompt Field just as if the field were a type D Field. Place a ^ character in the data string at the place you wish to insert the data from the previous field into this field.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software In the following example the proper matching characters are sent to the Printer that request the day of week and date to be printed. This command causes the Printer to enter the Date Formatting Mode. Spaces and punctuation appear as shown in the example. Sample: BCD GHI PQ , Prints: TUE DEC RSTU 27 , 1993 After entering the desired data, prompt, comment, or consecutive number information, press the return key.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 3.4 Print Label Screen The Print Label Screen is used to print labels that have been formatted and/or modified in the Create/Modify Label Screen. From the Create/Modify Label Screen, press the F1 key to toggle to the Print Label Screen.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software starting number or the prompt information, followed by the return key, for each consecutive number or prompt. After this information is entered, the cursor will move to the Sample Position. 4. 54 In the Sample Position, there are two choices: a. Print a sample label to check data placement by pressing the Y key for yes. A sample label will print and the cursor will return to the Sample Position.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 3.5 System Maintenance Screen The third screen, System Maintenance, is used to format and copy memory modules, print test labels, and perform several other maintenance functions. To access the screen in the label name position of the Create/Modify Label or Print Label Screens, use ALT-S. The screen will look like this: SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) TEST AND FORMAT MODULE. COPY MODULE. METRIC ? NO. PRINT TEST LABEL. SYSTEM TEST LABEL.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Copy Module: Copies graphic images and/or label formats from one memory module to another. Be certain that the Write Protect Switch is ‘on’ for the source module and ‘off’ for the destination module. Metric: Each time the number 3 is pressed, the screen will toggle between Metric ‘No’ and Metric ‘Yes’. Print Test Label: Prints a Printhead Test Label and is used as a relative gauge of Printhead condition and wear.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software 3.6 Quick Reference Listing The following pages list the valid commands for the Printer's Internal Labeling Software Program.
Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Print Parameters (ALT-P) Description Heat Factor Print Speed Slew Speed Dot Pattern Wide Dot Pattern High Form Edge Offset Form Advance (Back Feed) Row Offset Column Offset Update Count on Max. Label Width Max.
♦ Troubleshooting 4.0 Introduction This chapter provides general operator service to help maintain print quality when using media other than the recommended 4 mil stock. It also provides basic ideas to help identify common installation and communication interface problems. If there is any doubt about your ability to perform the procedures outlined in this chapter, contact a qualified service technician or your service representative for instruction before making any adjustments.
Troubleshooting 4.1 Controlling Print Quality The Printer provides maximum flexibility by offering both DirectThermal and Thermal-Transfer Printing capabilities. To support these printing options, the Printer has a flexible set of printing controls. The amount of heat applied to the Printhead, and the location of the Printhead to the label media have the most effect on the images that are printed on labels.
Troubleshooting 4.2 Aligning the Printhead Components used for Printhead alignment are illustrated in Figure 4-1. Direct-Thermal Stock: For best results when using direct-thermal label stock, turn the head adjust screws (Figure 4-1), 1/4 turn clockwise to move the Printhead 0.006" (0.15mm) back on the roller.
Troubleshooting Figure 4-1 Printhead Alignment The horizontal placement of the Printhead is adjusted by turning the right and left Head Adjustment Screws that correspond to the right and left sides of the Printhead. Turning the screws 1/2 turn counterclockwise will move the Printhead 0.012" (0.3 mm) forward. Likewise, a 1/2 turn clockwise will move the Printhead back 0.012" (0.3 mm). Therefore, only a small adjustment of even a 1/4 turn will cause a big difference in print quality.
Troubleshooting 4.2.1 Printhead Alignment Procedure Depending on the degree of alignment necessary to your Printhead, one or perhaps all of the steps mentioned below may need to be completed. 1. Label Stock Tracking Adjustment It is critical that the stock feeds straight. This adjustment must be done with a full roll of 4" (102mm) or 4.25" (108mm) wide stock. Complete the following steps: a. Rotate the Media Guide down and install the stock, keep the Media Guide in the ‘down’ position. b.
Troubleshooting b. To adjust the Ribbon Shield (see Figure 5-2), temporarily move the ribbon and loosen the screw located on the left end of the Head-Support Plate, (do not remove the screws). This end of the shield can be adjusted up or down in order to even out the ribbon tension across the full width of the ribbon. Note: The mount screws that secure the Ribbon Shield also secure the Head Support Plate. When loosening these screws, be aware that both the shield and the plate may be effected. c.
Troubleshooting Allegro2 65
Troubleshooting 4.2.2 Adjusting Printhead Pressure and Support The Printer's Printhead support plate requires adjustment if media widths of 3.5" (89mm) or less are used. Figure 4-2 shows the Printhead Mount Assembly, Ribbon Shield, Head Support Plate, and Adjustment Screw in an exploded view. The Head Support Plate supports the outer end of the Printhead when narrow media is used. Without this support, the Printhead would bear down on the drive roller, causing diminished print quality and premature wear.
Troubleshooting 4.3 Troubleshooting Occasionally, situations occur that require some troubleshooting skills. Possible problem situations and potential solutions are listed in this section. While not every situation is addressed, you may find some of these tips helpful. After the corrective action is taken press the Feed Button to clear the alarm. Contact a qualified service technician for problems that persist or are not covered in this section. Unacceptable Print Quality: a. Dirty Printhead.
Troubleshooting Erratic Printing (Prints strange characters instead of the correct label format). a. Printer is in the test mode. Reset the Printer via software, or simultaneously press the Cancel and Pause Buttons, or turn the Printer ‘off’ and then ‘on’ again. b. Printer is set for 8-data bits but the transmitting device is set up for seven data bits (or vice versa). Check the current data bits setting from the Operators Panel.
Troubleshooting Prints Light on the Right Side of the Label a. Printhead is adjusted for thick media or cardstock. b. Printhead is not properly aligned, call for service. Printer fails to turn on a. Blown fuse, (see Figure 1-3 for location), call for service. b. Faulty AC cord. c. Bad Printer Power Switch, call for service. d. Faulty AC wall outlet.
♦ Maintenance 5.0 Introduction This chapter covers the cleaning receommendations for your Printer. Interior and Exterior • Interior During normal operation dust particles from label stock can build up inside the Printer. To prevent build-up, use a soft bristle brush or vacuum cleaner as needed. • Exterior The exterior surface can be cleaned using a general purpose cleaner and a damp soft cloth or sponge. Do not use abrasive cleansers or solvents.
Maintenance 5.1 Cleaning Schedule The following table provides a recommended cleaning schedule for the various parts of your Printer. Area Printhead Platen Roller Peel-Off Roller Media Path Method Turn off the Printer before cleaning the Printhead. Use solvent* on a cotton swab to clean the Printhead from end to end. Turn the power off. Rotate the Platen Roller and clean it thoroughly with solvent* and a cotton swab. Rotate the Peel-Off Roller and clean it thoroughly with solvent* and a cotton swab.
Maintenance 5.2 Cleaning the Printhead 1. Turn the power ‘off’ and unplug the Printer. 2. Raise the cover and turn the Head-Lift Lever to the ‘up’ position. 3. Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and insert into the Printhead as shown below. Gently rub the underside of the Printhead with the moistened swab. Figure 5-1 Cleaning the Printhead Note: The Printhead should be cleaned every time a new roll of media is installed.
Maintenance Allegro2 73
Appendix A ASCII Control Code Chart Ctrl @ Ctrl A Ctrl B Ctrl C Ctrl D Ctrl E Ctrl F Ctrl G Ctrl H Ctrl I Ctrl J Ctrl K Ctrl L Ctrl M Ctrl N Ctrl O Ctrl P Ctrl Q Ctrl R Ctrl S Ctrl T Ctrl U Ctrl V Ctrl W Ctrl X Ctrl Y Ctrl Z Ctrl [ Ctrl \ Ctrl ] Ctrl ^ Ctrl _ Allegro2 Char De c He x NUL SOH STY X EXT EOT ENQ ACK BEL BS HT LF VT FF CR SO SI DLE DC1 DC2 DC3 DC4 NAK SYN ETB 0 1 2 00 01 02 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 CAN EM SUB Esc FS GS RS US 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Char
Maintenance A-2 Allegro2
Maintenance Char Ç ü é â ä à å ç ê è è ï î ì Ä Å É Æ Æ ô ö ò û ù ÿ Ö Ü Ø £ Ø x ƒ Allegro2 De c 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 Hex Char Dec Hex 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 8A 8B 8C 8D 8E 8F 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 9A 9B 9C 9D 9E 9F á í ó ú ñ Ñ a 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 A0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7
Appendix B Switch Settings and Cable Interfacing Baud SW-1 SW-2 SW-3 9600 off off off 4800 off off on 2400 off on off 1200 off on on 600 on off off 300 on off on Test on on on Table B-1 Baud Rate SW-4 on off Data Bits 7 8 Parity None None Stop Bits 2 1 Table B-2 Word Length SW-5 On Off SW-6 On Off SW-7 On Off SW-8 On Off Prodigy Compatible Prodigy Allegro Present Sensor Enabled Disabled Internal Batch Software Internal Batch Enabled Internal Batch Disabled Cutter Cutter Enabled Cutter Disable
Switch Settings and Cable Interfacing Printer Cabling and Interfacing: When the Printer receives data from any host system, it will not properly function with an incorrectly wired cable. Proper wiring diagrams can be found in Appendix E. Table B-1 contains a list of the signals that if correctly wired to the host system will cause the Printer to operate properly.
Appendix C Available Fonts and Barcodes All character fonts and barcodes available with the Printer are described in this section. Each font and barcode has a name associated with it for use in programming. Human-readable fonts have numeric names while barcode fonts have alpha names. Uppercase alpha names will print barcodes with human readable interpretations. Lowercase alpha names will print barcodes only.
Available Fonts and Barcodes Table C-2 lists the font sizes. The numbers indicate the number of dots. FONT Font 0 Font 1 Font 2 Font 3 Font 4 Font 5 Font 6 Font 7 Font 8 HEIGHT 7 13 18 27 36 52 64 32 28 WIDTH 5 7 10 14 18 18 32 15 15 SPACING 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 Table C-2 Font Sizes Font 0 96-character alphanumeric, upper and lower case. Font 1 145-character upper and lower case alphanumeric w/ descenders and ascenders. Font 2 138-character alphanumeric, upper and lower case.
Available Fonts and Barcodes Font 4 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 5 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.
Available Fonts and Barcodes Font 7 OCR-A, size I. Font 8 OCR-B, size III. Font 9 Internal Triumvirate font. Point sizes are selected by the number in the barcode height. Larger point sizes can be obtained by increasing the height and width multipliers (see the Programmer's Manual for more information).
Available Fonts and Barcodes Barcodes Font A Length Varies Cksum No B 11 Yes C D E F 6 Varies Varies 12 Yes No M-103 Yes G H 7 Varies Yes M-43 I J K Varies Varies Up to 14 No M-10 M-10 L M N O p Q R 13 2 5 Varies Varies 19 18 M-10 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Valid ASCII Characters 32, 36, 37, 42, 43, 45-57, 6590 48-57 Numeric only Option V used in the 6th & 7th position 48-57 Numeric only 48-57 Numeric only 32-127 48-57 Numeric only Option V used in the 7th & 8th position 48-57 Numeric only 32
Available Fonts and Barcodes Barcode A Code 3 of 9 Barcode B UPC-A Barcode C UPC-E Barcode D Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode E Code 128 Barcode F EAN-13 Barcode G EAN-8 Barcode H Health Industry Barcode (HBIC) C-6 Allegro2
Available Fonts and Barcodes Barcode I Codabar Barcode J Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum Barcode K Plessey Barcode L Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum and shipping bearer bars Barcode M 2 Digit UPC addendum Barcode O Code 93 Allegro2 Barcode N 5 Digit UPC addendum Barcode p Postnet C-7
Available Fonts and Barcodes Barcode Q UCC/EAN Code 128 C-8 Barcode R UCC/EAN Code 128 KMART NON EDI Allegro2
Appendix D Error Codes The error codes that may be transmitted by the Printer are described here. Lowercase "v" There is an input buffer overflow situation. Uppercase "R" This code is sent every time the Printer is turned on. It signals that there was a hardware reset. Uppercase "T" This code signals that there was a software reset. A software reset results from sending the # command sequence to the Printer or by doing a front panel reset.
D-2 Allegro2
Appendix E Cable Listings Part Number 556000 556001 556002 899516 Description Printer to CRT Terminal (DB25P) RS-232 Printer to PC 9 Pin (DB9S) RS-232 Printer to PC 25 Pin (DB25S) RS-232 Printer to PC Parallel Port (DB25P) Table E-1 Printer Interface Cables Pin 1 2 3 4 5 7 14 20 Description CHASSIS TXD (RS-232) RXD (RS-232) RTS (4.
Cable Listings STRAIGHT CABLE ( MXM) Figure E-1 Null Modem Cable (MXM) Note: Cable is used for typical connection to other DCE equipment with Xon/Xoff flow control. STRAIGHT CABLE (MM) Figure E-2 Straight Cable (MM) Note: Cable is used for typical connection to other DCE equipment with Xon/Xoff flow control.
Cable Listings PC (DB25P) TO PRINTER Figure E-3 PC (DB25P) to Printer Note: Cable is used for connection to a PC compatible with DB25P communication ports. Flow control is either Xon/Xoff or CTS/DTR. PC (DB9P) TO PRINTER Figure E-4 PC (DB9P) to Printer Note: Cable is used for connection to a PC compatible with DB9P communication ports. Flow control is either Xon/Xoff or CTS/DTR.
Cable Listings • Parallel to Serial Adapter (Part Number: 899516) If the Printer is being set up for parallel to serial communications a special Parallel to Serial Interface Adapter is needed, (Figure E-5). The Parallel to Serial Interface Adapter is designed specifically for use with your Label Printers. The adapter is a one-way communication self-powered device. No external power source is required.
Appendix F Specifications Printing Type: Direct thermal or thermal transfer Resolution: 203 dots per inch (8 dots/mm) Print Speed: 2.0 −3.0" (51 mm −76 mm) per second Barcode Modules: 5 mil to 110 mil (.0005" - .110") “X” dimension in picket or ladder orientation Maximum Print Width: 4.1" (104mm) Maximum Print Length: 8.25" (210mm) with standard RAM; up to 20.25" (514mm) with optional 512K memory module White Space Slew Rate: 2.0"−3.
Specifications Fonts Resident Fonts: Nine alphanumeric fonts from 0.035"H (0.89mm) to 0.64"H (16mm) and OCR-A, OCRB; CG Triumvirate smooth font (10 point sizes) from Agfa in both portrait and landscape orientations Optional Fonts: Proportional and monospaced available Font Expansion, Rotation: All fonts expandable vertically and horizontally up to 8x; fonts and graphics can be printed in four directions: 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° Character Density: 33.83 CPI in font 0 at 1x; 0.
Specifications Media Width: 0.75" (19mm) to 4.65" (118mm); 4.25" (108mm) maximum recommended Length: 0.50" (13mm) to 99.99" (2539mm) Thickness: 0.0025" (0.0635mm) to 0.0100" (0.254mm) Type: Roll-fed, die-cut continuous or fan-fold labels, tags or tickets; most direct thermal or thermal transfer materials Supply Roll: 8" (203mm) maximum diameter on 1.5" (38mm) to 3" (76mm) cores Optional Front Rewind: 8" (152mm) maximum O.D.
Specifications Label/Tag Media Specifications: Figure F-1 Media Specifications A B C D E F G H I J K Description Label width Backing width Gap between labels Label length Backing thickness Label thickness Width of sensor opening Distance from edge of Media to edge of sensor opening Reflective sensor mark width Reflective sensor mark length Distance between reflective mark MAX* 4.650 4.650 99.99 99.99 0.005 0.005 0.500 2.250 MIN* 0.750 0.750 0.100 0.500 0.0023 0.0023 0.200 0.200 4.00 99.99 99.99 1.
Specifications Lists of Approved Media For a current list approved standard Media for use in Thermal and Thermal-Transfer Printers, please contact your customer support representative.
Specifications Environmental Operating Temperature: 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C) Storage Temperature: 32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C) Humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensing Ventilation: Free air movement Dust: Non-conducting, non-corrosive Electromagnetic Radiation: Moderate RF fields can be tolerated Physical Dimensions: 9.0"H x 9.7"W x 16.6"D (229mmH x 246mmW x 422 mmD) Weight: 23 lbs. (10.4 kg) Options Front Rewind: 6" (152mm) maximum O.D. capacity (full supply roll) 8” (203mm) maximum O.D.
Specifications 256K Flash EEPROM Memory Module : Used for permanent storage of custom fonts, graphics and formats. 256K and 512K RAM Memory Modules: Used for temporary storage of fonts, formats and graphics; 512K Module also extends label length to 20.25" (514mm). Parallel Adapter: Converts Centronics Parallel type data to RS-232C PC-Batch Software: Stand-alone label creation software package for IBMPC or compatible.
Specifications F-8 Allegro2
♦ Appendix G Warranty Information Datamax Barcode Products Limited Warranty Statement Allegro2 Printer Datamax warrants to Purchaser that under normal use and service, the Allegro2, (with the exception of the thermal Printhead) purchased hereunder shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of (365) days from the date of shipment by Datamax. Expendable and/or consumable items or parts such as lamps, fuses, labels and ribbons are not covered under this warranty.
Warranty Information Thermal Printhead This warranty is limited to a period of one year, (365 days), or 1,000,000 linear inches of use, whichever comes first, for the Allegro2 thermal printhead. This one year (365 days) warranty is valid only if a Datamax - approved thermal or thermal transfer label media is used, as defined in the then current Datamax list of approved thermal/thermal transfer media, a copy of which is available from Datamax.
Warranty Information General Warranty Provisions Datamax makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity or suitability of any of its hardware, supplies, or software. Software is licensed on an “as is” basis without warranty. Except and to the extent expressly provided in this warranty and in lieu of all other warranties, there are no warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
